TCS’ Co-innovation network ties up with Microsoft Accelerator to help Indian startups

The partnership will provide startups the access Microsoft and TCS’ networks and customer relationships. It will also connect them to investors and academia.Jochelle Mendonca | ET Bureau | June 23, 2016, 17:35 IST

The partnership will provide startups the access Microsoft and TCS' networks and customer relationships. It will also connect them to investors and academia.

"This partnership will offer participating startups access to the expertise and client-base of both TCS and Microsoft and will create exciting new opportunities to innovate and transform the business landscape," Nagaraj Ijari, Global Head - Hi-Tech Industry Solutions Unit, TCS, said.

Unlike rivals like Infosys and Wipro, TCS has not created a venture fund to invest in startups. It uses its Co-Innovation Network, COIN, to work with startups. The network is part of TCS' innovation labs and involves tie-ups with venture capital firms and university research labs.

In the US, TCS COIN program has alliances with venture firms such as Andreessen Horowitz, New Enterprise Associates and Norwest Venture Partners.